Daily Archives: October 12, 2011

Commander Shepard will have some special help next year when he sets out to retake Earth. BioWare has announced that Mass Effect 3 will be the first in the series to support multiplayer. The online component has been dubbed the Galaxy at War system, and it will complement the single-player storyline by offering “a suite of … games and applications” for players to enjoy with friends. Progress made with others will directly affect the main campaign, as Shepard scours the galaxy for allies against the Reapers.

Fresh off the release of Guardian Heroes on Live, Sega has announced that they will be bringing back another gem from their past: Daytona USA. The original 1993 release, later revamped twice, once on the Sega Saturn and later on the Sega Dreamcast, will be released later this month on Live Arcade and PS Network. As with Sega’s previous re-releases, Daytona USA will be receiving a graphical overhaul, updated for 16:9, a Karaoke Mode for its catchy tunes (“Day-to-na!/Let’s go away/Let’s go away”), eight-player multiplayer, and support for the Logitech GT Driving Force steering wheel for the PS3 and all steering wheels supported by the 360

The Treasure-developed action-RPG Guardian Heroes has launched on Live Arcade. The 1996 Sega Saturn cult classic is available for 800 MS Points and features multiple playable characters, five endings, a new Arcade Mode, a new Remix Mode, and updated visuals.

The closed beta for Hi-Rez Studios’ Tribes: Ascend is set to kick off on November 4. Invitations will be sent out in waves to registered players and to those who pre-ordered the VIP Started Bundle. The bundle, available for purchase at the official site for $29.99, guarantees access to the beta and also includes permanent VIP status, a 30-day Booster, and 800 Tribes Gold.

Austin-based indie developer Twisted Pixel, creators of Splosion Man and The Gunstringer, has been acquired by Microsoft Studios. The studio joins Rare and Lionheart as part of the extended MS family, and will now be focusing on expanding and improving the 360 and Kinect library.